Cranberries deserve more than just being mashed into a sauce and forgotten after Thanksgiving dinner. This fall, let’s give these little red gems the spotlight they deserve. From sweet bakes to savory dishes and even a few drinks, there are way more ways to use cranberries than you might think. Whether you’ve got a bag of fresh ones, a stash of dried, or even a jar of cranberry sauce you’re trying to avoid, we’ve got some ideas that go beyond the same old thing.
Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
Cranberry cheddar sausage balls are bite-sized, savory, and great for a holiday spread. Serve them with a side of cranberry sauce if you’re missing that dipping action.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites
No-bake, easy to make, and loaded with cranberries, orange, and chocolate chips. A healthy snack that brings a bit of seasonal cheer.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites
Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad
Fresh cranberries, lentils, and avocado tossed with a lemon Dijon dressing make for a hearty, bright salad. Great as a side or lunch when you need something satisfying and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad
Cranberry Curd Tart
Smooth cranberry curd in a gluten-free oat and nut crust makes this tart a stunningly vibrant holiday dessert. A break from traditional pies, but still packed with that seasonal flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart
Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
A simple cranberry pesto with basil and pine nuts makes this stuffed lamb dish shine. A festive choice for a dinner party centerpiece when you want to wow your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Classic chocolate chip cookies get a seasonal twist with fresh cranberries. Crispy edges, soft center, and bursts of tart berries make these a great change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Crisp and buttery with a pop of fresh cranberry and orange flavor, these biscotti are great for dunking in tea or coffee. An easy addition to your holiday cookie lineup.
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Cranberry Orange Bread
With a citrusy glaze and bursts of cranberry, this quick bread is moist, tender, and great for winter baking. It’s an easy way to add some seasonal flair to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Bread
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Green beans get a makeover with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese. A colorful, flavorful addition to any Thanksgiving table that stands out from the usual sides.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies mix chewy oats with bursts of sweet white chocolate and dried cranberries. They’re easy to make, and a perfect way to enjoy cranberries without turning them into sauce.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Fall in Love with this Cranberry Bundt Cake
This cake steps up your fall baking with hints of cinnamon, chocolate, and cranberries. Moist, flavorful, and a nice break from the endless pumpkin treats.
Get the Recipe: Fall in Love with this Cranberry Bundt Cake
Cranberry Flapjacks
Soft, chewy, and packed with juicy cranberries, these flapjacks need only five ingredients. Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast and a fresh way to use up cranberries.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Flapjacks
Turkey Cranberry Pinwheel Wraps
Got leftover turkey? Roll it up with cranberries in these easy pinwheels. Quick to assemble, they make a great lunch or snack that takes the classic combo out of the sauce bowl.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Pinwheel Wraps
Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole With Cranberries And Apples
Sweet, savory, and ridiculously simple, this casserole brings squash, cranberries, and apples together. Great for the holidays, with all the cozy fall vibes minus the stress.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole With Cranberries And Apples
Balsamic Cranberry Brie Bites
These brie bites make a perfect party snack, with a pop of balsamic cranberries that hits just right. Elegant and super easy to make—great for adding seasonal flavor to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Cranberry Brie Bites
Crockpot Cranberry Apple Bourbon Punch
Toss it all in a slow cooker, and you’ve got a ready-to-serve cocktail with cranberries, apples, and a splash of bourbon. A warm, cozy drink without the hassle of mixing individual cocktails.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cranberry Apple Bourbon Punch
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Wreath
This wreath combines classic cinnamon rolls with cranberry and orange for a festive upgrade. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches when you want to switch things up from the usual cranberry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Wreath
Cranberry Almond Scones
Light, tender, and ready in just 20 minutes, these scones are a quick way to enjoy cranberries this season. Sweet, tangy, and just what you need for a cozy snack break.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Scones
Cranberry Lemon Muffins
Bright lemon and tart cranberries make these muffins a fresh treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Light, tender, and easy to whip up for a taste of fall without the usual sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Lemon Muffins
Cranberry Chicken
This tangy, creamy chicken dish uses cranberries to add a burst of color and flavor. Simple ingredients make it great for both holiday dinners and busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken
Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans
Goat cheese, cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together in this quick salad. It’s a light, fresh side or lunch that’s ready in 10 minutes—perfect for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans
Cranberry Lemon Bars
Sweet, tangy, and simple to make, these cranberry lemon bars pair a lemony crust with a bright cranberry topping. A lighter dessert option that still feels festive.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Lemon Bars
Goat Cheese Crostini with Prosciutto and Cranberries
These crostini mix sweet, salty, and creamy flavors with prosciutto and cranberries. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a great appetizer for any fall celebration.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Crostini with Prosciutto and Cranberries
Cranberry Lemon Juice
This cranberry lemon juice balances tart cranberries and bright lemon, perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve it warm or chilled, whichever suits your mood.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Lemon Juice
Easy No-Churn Cranberry Ice Cream Recipe
No ice cream maker? No problem. This no-churn cranberry ice cream is creamy, sweet, and has a swirl of tart cranberry—just right for a cool fall treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy No-Churn Cranberry Ice Cream Recipe
Easy Cranberry Tart Recipe
With a buttery crust and tangy cranberry filling, this tart is a breeze to make. It’s a great way to enjoy cranberries beyond the standard sauce, with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Tart Recipe
Baked Brie with Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
Baked brie covered in a sweet-tart cranberry raspberry sauce makes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Melted, gooey cheese with a burst of berry flavor—it doesn’t get better.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
